10 Dog Professions and the Breeds Most Commonly Used

When I was younger, I had many different ideas on what I wanted to do when I grew up. I changed my mind a few times and back again and even now, I have gone in a different direction than I thought I would. It’s my hope that when my kids grow older, they will find a profession that doesn’t feel like a “job”. I want them to find something that they love doing, that they’re passionate about, that they’re good at and that works well for a life balance.

When it comes to professions, there are a lot to choose from and it turns out, we’re not the only ones in the job field. There are many professions that dogs hold — usually in a capacity that helps us out and they are really, really good at it. Different professions need a different breed temperament and so each profession has a typical breed that is used for the job.

Check out these 10 dog professions and the dog breeds that are most commonly used for each job:

Dog Professions and Common Breeds 1 of 11

There are many jobs that dogs can hold and it's everything from sniffing out weapons to making us happy.

Detector Dogs 2 of 11

These dogs are used to sniff out drugs, bombs, weapons or other illegal items and can be found in airports, crime scenes and there are even dogs who can sniff out bed bugs in hotels. Common breeds used for this job is Golden or Labrador retrievers. Source: EncyclopediaPhoto credit: Wikipedia Commons

Tracking Dogs 3 of 11

Used to track down people on the run, missing or even items, tracking dogs breeds are chosen for their great sense of smell. Common breeds for this job include Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Bloodhounds, Australian Shepherds, and Newfoundlands.Source: Animal DenPhoto credit: Wikipedia Commons

Home Guard Dogs 4 of 11

If you're looking for a dog to protect the security of your home, many suggest getting a Bullmastiff. They protect through using the size and weight of their body to knock people over, but it's also know to be a friendly and docile animal in their family environment. Source: Cesear's WayPhoto credit: Wikipedia Commons

Prison Guard Dogs 5 of 11

Some prisons are now using dogs to act as an intimidation factor and to keep prisoners in line while serving time behind bars. Commonly used breeds for this job include German shepherds, rottweilers and Belgian malinois, with a few boxers and pit bulls.Source: KBOI2Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons

Hunting Dogs 6 of 11

Used to help people hunt for birds, small animals or deer, the Brittany dog is one that's often used for this job.Source: Outdoor CanadaPhoto credit: Wikipedia Commons

Search and Rescue Dogs 7 of 11

The Search and Rescue dog is used to help rescue people or items that are lost, missing or injured from a natural disaster. Common breeds used for this job is German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Golden Retrievers Source: Dog Owners GuidePhoto credit: Wikipedia Commons

Service dogs to help people who are deaf, blind or both, these dogs help in the every day getting around. Common breeds used are Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd.Source: Guide Dogs of AmericaPhoto credit: Wikipedia Commons

Therapy Dogs 11 of 11

Used in many different capacities from providing comfort to people in the hospital, nursing homes, autistic individuals or people who have illnesses, therapy dogs have various breeds depending on the need.Source: Therapeutic Paws of CanadaPhoto credit: Photostock

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